TRB AFF20 Committee on Steel Bridges

Research

One of our committee's goals is to submit top priority research problem statements for NCHRP funding consideration, and arrange for AASHTO Support, and also recommend topics for NCHRP synthesis series in reference to Steel bridges that will assist in advancing the state of the art of bridge engineering technology.

Currently, research problem statements are invited. If you would like to submit a research problem statement, please email it to the Research Needs Sub-Committee Chairman: Myint.Lwin@fhwa.dot.gov

Research Problems

Research Problem Statement in Order of Ranking:

1. Improving Fatigue Strength of AASHTO Categories D, E and E' Details by the Use of Ultrasonic Impact Treatment (UIT).
2. Bridge Bearing Design, Fabrication, and Construction Specifications
3. New Design Manual for Steel Orthotropic Deck Bridges
4. Fatigue Testing of Cantilever Traffic Signal and Sign Structure Connection Details.
5. Fatigue Design of Steel Open Grid Deck Systems
6. Stringer-to-Floor Beam Connection Design
7. Quantitative Assessment for Deterioration of Bridge Cable Wire

Research Problems 2002

The research problem statements submitted and ranked by AFF20 for TRB 2002 are listed below in order of ranking (First to Seventh):

1. Design Guidelines for Tubular Steel Bridge Members
2. Design Manual for Orthotropic Deck Bridges
3. Bridge Bearing Design, Fabrication, and Construction Specifications
4. Stringer-to-Floor Beam Connection Design
5. Development of Weathering Steels for Highway Bridges in a Marine Environment
6. Synthesis: Pedestrian-Induced Vertical and Lateral Vibrations of Long-span Pedestrian Bridges
7. Synthesis: Fatigue Category of Coped Steel Bridge Beams.

Research Problems 2001

There were 9 "Current Research Needs" submitted for the 1999 circular. To date, four of these have moved through our representatives to the states and to NCHRP 2^nd Stage. They are as follows:

1. 2002-D-35 Narrow Gap Improved Electro Slag Welding of High Performance Steel
2. 2002-D-09 Condition Survey of Concrete Decks with Stay in Place Forms
3. 2002-C-24 Data Base of Distortion Induced Fatigue Details and Recommended Repair Procedures
4. 2002-C-23 Diaphragm and Cross bracing Guidelines for Steel Bridges

The work of generating new ones and updating the old ones is ongoing. Six new Statements of Research needs were brought forward and approved at this meeting.

Please direct questions or comments about this web site to Dr. Firas I. Sheikh-Ibrahim, PE.